Southport, North Carolina, turns its historic downtown and riverfront over to the holidays for nine days this December, when Winterfest 2026 runs from Friday, Dec. 4, through Saturday, Dec. 12. The City of Southport organizes the festival, which WWAY reports includes more than 20 events, among them a Christmas parade and the 32nd annual lighted boat flotilla.

How does the festival begin?

The opening night is Friday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m., when Mayor Hatem switches on the downtown Christmas tree. The Trinity United Methodist Church Children's Choir sings carols, and hot chocolate and cookies are served, according to WWAY.

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The days that follow are smaller and mostly family-oriented. Pet owners can bring animals for photos with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. A cookie contest is set for Wednesday, Dec. 9, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., and The Polar Express screens outdoors at dusk on Thursday, Dec. 10.

What happens on the final weekend?

Friday, Dec. 11, brings a bookstore open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the Light Up the Night Christmas Parade at 6:30 p.m. The parade moves along Moore and Howe streets and finishes at the fire station, where children can meet Santa.

Saturday, Dec. 12, is the busiest day. A craft festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Bay Street, selling arts, crafts, baked goods and produce, while performing arts take the Fort Johnston lawn from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Historic home tours and Old Jail tours are also scheduled.

That evening at 6 p.m., decorated boats lit for the season travel the waterfront. The route starts at Old American Fish and heads toward a glowing buoy near Kingsley Street Park, though the event depends on favorable weather. Art students from Southport Elementary School help judge the entries.

Why you should go

  • The flotilla is a local tradition in its 32nd year, with boats judged by schoolchildren.
  • Several events are built for families, including pet photos with Santa, gingerbread decorating and an outdoor holiday movie.
  • The Dec. 12 craft festival and downtown shops make for a walkable holiday shopping day.
  • The tree lighting and parade give visitors two evening anchors during the week.

What to know before you go

The announcements do not list prices or registration requirements for individual events, so confirm details with the City of Southport before planning around one activity. The flotilla is weather-dependent.

FAQ

When is Southport Winterfest 2026?

It runs from Friday, Dec. 4, through Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, in downtown Southport, North Carolina.

Do I need tickets for Winterfest events?

The brief gives no ticket or registration details. Check with the City of Southport for each event.